Gunathilaka back from suspension for Australia series

Danushka Gunathilaka was included in Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the tour of Australia next month -- his first international assignment since having his one-year suspension lifted earlier this month. 

Gunathilaka is part of a 20-member contingent that also includes four uncapped players, and Kusal Mendis, another one of the three players who were suspended from international cricket last year following a bio-bubble breach while on tour to England. 

Niroshan Dickwella, the third player who was suspended, was not part of the squad. 

Janith Liyanage, Nuwan Thushara, Kamil Mishara and Shiran Fernando were the four players who are yet to play international cricket that were included, with all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and Avishka Fernando also returning after sitting out the ODI series against Zimbabwe. 

Sri Lanka, without a head coach since Mickey Arthur’s two-year stint ended last month, will once again have the services of Rumesh Ratnayake as interim coach, though he will join the team on a later date having tested positive for Covid-19. 

“Ratnayake will not travel to Australia with the team but will join before the 1st T20I game, as he is currently in self-isolation,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) SLC said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, off-spinner Dilruwan Perera has retired from international cricket but would be available to play domestic games, SLC said in a statement. 

Australia have rested opener David Warner and all-rounder Mitch Marsh from their 16-member squad for the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka beginning on Feb. 11. 

(Agencies)